A camera-based code reader (10) has an image sensor comprising a line-shaped reading area (18) for capturing an image line, an illumination unit (28, 30) for illuminating the reading area (18), an evaluation unit (46) configured to compose an image from successively captured image lines, and a decoding unit (48) for locating and decoding code information in the image. The code reader (10) further comprises an elongated base body (26) with a plurality of individual image sensors (32) mounted thereon, each of the individual image sensors (32) comprising a line-shaped individual reading area (18a-d), and the individual image sensors (32) together forming the image sensor by being oriented and arranged relative to one another so that the individual reading areas (18a-d) overlap to form the line-shaped reading area (18).
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1. A camera-based code reader ( 10 ), comprising: an elongated base body ( 26 ) with a plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) mounted thereon, each of the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) comprising a line-shaped individual reading area ( 18 a - d ) and being oriented and arranged relative to one another so that the individual reading areas ( 18 a - d ) overlap to form a line-shaped reading area ( 18 ), and wherein each of the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) is configured to capture image data in the form of partial image lines of the respective line-shaped individual reading areas ( 18 a - d ), an evaluation unit ( 46 ) configured to compose a common image line from the image data of the partial image lines captured by the individual image sensors ( 32 ), and a decoding unit ( 48 ), wherein the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) are further configured to capture successive partial images, and the evaluation unit ( 46 ) is further configured to compose the successive partial images into successive common line images and to compose an image from the successive common image lines, and wherein the decoding unit ( 48 ) is configured for locating and decoding code information in the image.
A camera-based code reader has an elongated base with multiple individual image sensors mounted on it. Each sensor has a line-shaped reading area. The sensors are positioned so their individual reading areas overlap, creating a single, combined line-shaped reading area. Each sensor captures partial image lines. An evaluation unit combines these partial lines into a common image line. The sensors capture successive partial images, which the evaluation unit then combines into successive common line images to create a full image. A decoding unit locates and decodes code information within this final image.
2. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) comprise a plurality of pixel elements arranged in a line.
The code reader described previously uses individual image sensors, each composed of a line of pixel elements. These sensors capture partial images that are combined to read codes.
3. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) are mounted on the elongated base body ( 26 ) with an equal spacing to one another so that lines of pixel elements of the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) form a common line.
The code reader described previously, which uses individual image sensors with lines of pixel elements, mounts those sensors on the elongated base with equal spacing. This spacing ensures that the lines of pixel elements from all individual sensors form a single, continuous common line.
4. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) comprise a plurality of pixel elements arranged in a matrix, and wherein the evaluation unit ( 46 ) is configured to select a subset of the pixel elements arranged in a line during a teach mode, and to use only image data from the selected subset of the pixel elements during operation.
The camera-based code reader described previously uses individual image sensors that contain a matrix of pixel elements. The evaluation unit selects a specific line of pixels from each sensor during a setup ("teach") mode. During normal operation, the code reader only uses the image data from this selected line of pixels from each individual image sensor to construct the image for decoding.
5. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 4 , wherein the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) are mounted on the elongated base body ( 26 ) with an equal spacing to one another so that lines of the selected pixel elements of an individual image sensor ( 32 ) form a common line.
The code reader described previously, which uses individual image sensors with a matrix of pixels and selects a line of pixels from each, mounts those sensors on the elongated base with equal spacing. This ensures that the selected pixel lines from each sensor align to form a continuous common line when capturing images.
6. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ) comprises a circuit board ( 28 ) having a plurality of illumination elements ( 30 ), and wherein the circuit board ( 28 ) is directly mounted on the elongated base body ( 26 ).
The code reader described previously includes a light source made of a circuit board holding multiple light-emitting elements. This circuit board is mounted directly onto the elongated base of the code reader, providing illumination for the code reading process.
7. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 6 , wherein the illumination elements ( 30 ) are LEDs.
The code reader described previously, with a light source consisting of a circuit board mounted on the base, uses LEDs (light emitting diodes) as the light-emitting elements on that circuit board.
8. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ) comprises anamorphotic transmission optics ( 32 ) to focus light onto the line-shaped reading area ( 18 ).
The code reader described previously uses a lighting system incorporating anamorphotic transmission optics. These optics focus the emitted light onto the line-shaped reading area, creating a concentrated and shaped beam for optimal code reading.
9. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 8 , wherein the anamorphotic transmission optics comprise at least one cylindrical lens ( 34 ).
The code reader described previously, utilizing anamorphotic transmission optics to focus light, achieves this focusing through at least one cylindrical lens. This lens shape helps to create the desired line-shaped illumination pattern.
10. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ) comprises at least one adjustable optical element ( 52 ) to align an area illuminated by the illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ) with the line-shaped reading area.
The code reader described previously uses a lighting system that includes at least one adjustable optical element. This adjustable element aligns the area illuminated by the lighting system with the line-shaped reading area, ensuring that the code is properly lit for reading.
11. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 10 , wherein the optical element ( 52 ) comprises a movable mirror.
The code reader described previously, which includes an adjustable optical element for aligning the light, uses a movable mirror as that adjustable optical element. This mirror can be repositioned to precisely direct the illumination onto the reading area.
12. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) each comprise focusable reception optics ( 38 , 40 , 42 ).
The code reader described previously uses individual image sensors, each equipped with focusable reception optics. These optics allow the image sensors to adjust their focus for optimal image capture and code reading.
13. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 12 , wherein the focusable reception optics ( 38 , 40 , 42 ) comprise a tube running through the elongated base body ( 26 ).
The code reader described previously, which includes focusable reception optics for each image sensor, contains a tube running through the elongated base body. These tubes are part of the focusable reception optics, aiding in directing and focusing light onto the sensors.
14. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 12 , wherein the focusable reception optics ( 38 , 40 , 42 ) comprise an autofocus unit ( 40 , 42 ) having an optical element ( 42 ) on a lever ( 40 ), wherein by pivoting the lever ( 40 ), a back focal length or a focal length of the reception optics ( 38 , 40 , 42 ) is variable, and wherein the lever ( 40 ) is mounted directly on the elongated base body ( 26 ) a bearing point or bearing points of the elongated base body ( 26 ).
The code reader described previously, which includes focusable reception optics, uses an autofocus unit consisting of an optical element on a lever. Pivoting this lever adjusts the focal length of the reception optics. The lever is directly mounted to the elongated base, using the base's bearing points for support.
15. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 14 , wherein the optical element ( 42 ) is a mirror.
The code reader described previously, which uses a lever-based autofocus mechanism with an optical element, uses a mirror as that optical element on the lever. This mirror redirects light within the focusing system.
16. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 12 , wherein the evaluation unit ( 48 ) is configured to set the focus of the reception optics ( 38 , 40 , 42 ) individually.
The code reader described previously has an evaluation unit that can independently set the focus of each individual image sensor's reception optics. This allows for fine-tuned focusing across the entire reading area.
17. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 16 , wherein the evaluation unit ( 48 ) is configured to set the focus based on a predetermined height profile.
The code reader described previously, which can individually set the focus of each image sensor, does so based on a predetermined height profile. This profile maps the ideal focus setting to different distances within the reading area.
18. The code reader ( 10 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated base body ( 26 ) is made as a heat sink.
The elongated base body of the code reader described previously is designed to act as a heat sink, dissipating heat generated by the electronic components.
19. A method for manufacturing an adjusted camera-based code reader ( 10 ), comprising: mounting at least one circuit board ( 28 ) of an illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ) with a plurality of illumination elements ( 30 ) on an elongated base body ( 26 ), mounting a plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) each having a line-shaped individual reading area ( 18 a - d ) on an elongated base body ( 26 ), activating the illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ), and orienting and arranging the the line-shaped individual reading areas ( 18 a - d ) to overlap and form a line-shaped reading area ( 18 ) so that the line-shaped reading area ( 18 ) captures an area illuminated by the illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ), configuring each of the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) to capture image data in the form of partial image lines of the respective line-shaped individual reading areas ( 18 a - d ), configuring an evaluation unit ( 46 ) to compose a common image line from the image data of the individual image sensors ( 32 ), and configuring the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) to capture successive partial images, and the evaluation unit ( 46 ) to compose the successive partial images into successive common line images and to compose an image from the successive common image lines, and configuring a decoding unit ( 48 ) for locating and decoding code information in the image.
A method for manufacturing an adjustable camera-based code reader involves mounting a circuit board containing illumination elements onto an elongated base. Multiple individual image sensors, each with a line-shaped reading area, are also mounted on the base. The illumination unit is activated, and the image sensors are positioned so their individual reading areas overlap, creating a single line-shaped reading area that aligns with the illuminated area. Each sensor is configured to capture partial image lines. An evaluation unit combines these partial lines into common image lines, and successive partial images are combined into a full image. A decoding unit is configured to locate and decode code information within this image.
20. The method according to claim 19 , wherein focusable reception optics ( 38 , 40 , 42 ) are set through an opening of the elongated base body ( 26 ) to be arranged between the illumination elements ( 30 ) in front of each of the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ), and wherein the code reader ( 10 ) is adjusted in a distance direction by teaching a focus table comprising the required focus setting in dependence on a distance along the distance direction.
The method of manufacturing a camera-based code reader, as previously described, includes setting focusable reception optics through an opening in the elongated base, positioning them between the illumination elements and in front of each sensor. The code reader is then adjusted in depth by creating a "focus table" that stores the correct focus settings for various distances. This table is then used during operation to automatically adjust the focus based on the object's distance.
21. The method according to claim 19 , wherein the illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ) is aligned with the line-shaped reading area by adjusting an adjustable optical element ( 52 ) or a movable mirror of the illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ).
The method of manufacturing a camera-based code reader, as previously described, involves aligning the illumination from the lighting unit with the line-shaped reading area. This is done by adjusting an adjustable optical element, such as a movable mirror, within the lighting unit to precisely direct the light.
22. The method according to claim 19 , wherein the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) comprise a plurality of pixel elements arranged in a line and are mounted on the elongated base body ( 26 ) with an equal spacing from one another so that the pixel elements of all individual image sensors ( 32 ) form a common line.
The method of manufacturing a camera-based code reader, as previously described, involves using individual image sensors that each have a line of pixel elements. These sensors are mounted on the elongated base with equal spacing, ensuring that the pixel elements from all sensors align to form a single, continuous line.
23. The method according to claim 19 , wherein the plurality of individual image sensors ( 32 ) comprise a plurality of pixel elements arranged in a matrix, and wherein, while the illumination unit ( 28 , 30 ) is activated, those pixel elements are selected which receive illumination light from the line-shaped reading area ( 18 ), and wherein the evaluation unit ( 46 ) stores the selected pixel elements in order to use only image data from the selected pixel elements during operation.
The method of manufacturing a camera-based code reader, as previously described, involves using individual image sensors that have a matrix of pixel elements. While the lighting unit is active, the method selects those pixel elements that receive light from the line-shaped reading area. The evaluation unit then stores the locations of these selected pixels, so that only the image data from those pixels is used during operation, optimizing performance and reducing noise.
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July 5, 2012
July 30, 2013
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